August 30, 2011
CM initiates action to stop inflation of essential commodities
Kolkata, August 30: Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee who is all set to put an end to corruption in the state and is working hard in this direction paid a surprise to the Kole and Gariahat market on her way back from the Petrapol border where she went to inaugurate a modern check-post on Saturday.
After reaching these places Ms. Banerjee interacted with the retailers as well as wholesalers and consumers in order to realize the ground realities. However, after the interaction she expressed her dissatisfaction over the discrepancy in the rates of essential commodities. After her visit some of the unscrupulous businessmen had to do away with their business as the Chief Minister gave clear indication that some of the elements spreading corruption needs to be dealt strongly. Incidentally, there was a downfall in the price of the vegetables on Monday recording a fall of 15-40% but traders said it could be a temporary breather and the rates. However, they said that the fall in price was temporarily and might rise again.
Concerned by the plight of the common man who face regular exploitation at these markets due to whims of these businessmen she decided to take up in a bigger way. On Monday, Ms. Mamata Banerjee convened a high-level-meeting at the Writers’ Building comprising of Home Secretary, DGP, Kolkata Police Commissioner and District Magistrates, Police Supers of Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24-Parganas and issued strictures to maintain a strict vigil on the situation. Ms. Banerjee expressing her anguish over the prevailing situation, she said, “I was surprised to find the discrepancy in the rates, also there is not sufficient staff to look into the complaints received from the public”. She said that there is a dearth of vigilance owing to which such activities are taking place. “I want to make it clear that such unscrupulous businessmen should be brought to books”.
Ms. Banerjee said that she will herself keep a vigil on the situation as she won’t tolerate any discrepancies, “I don’t understand what is the connection between retail price of essential commodities should be double the wholesale price. Transportation cost from Koley market is not so high,” Mamata argued. On Tuesday, 50 retailers from various markets have been called to Writers’ Buildings where they will be warned that such anomalies will not be tolerated.
A high-level meeting consisting secretaries from related departments have met at the Writers’ to discuss further proceedings regarding this issue.
